As the world’s leading trade fair for home and contract textiles, interior design, and trends, Heimtextil 2026 will once again bring the global industry together in Frankfurt. Organized by Messe Frankfurt from 13 to 16 January 2026, the fair aims to further strengthen its ties with the Turkish textile industry, as in previous years. Heimtextil Directors Margit Herberth and Bettina Bär attended a press conference held in Istanbul to promote Heimtextil 2026, whose main theme is “Craft is a verb,” and to evaluate current developments. They shared information about the fair and the sector and presented trends.
In the presentation titled “Lead the Change”, attention was drawn to the transformation of the global market. Margit Herberth emphasized that geopolitical challenges and economic instability, inflation and cost pressures, declining consumer demand, as well as artificial intelligence and digitalization are the key drivers reshaping the sector worldwide. Herbert noted that artificial intelligence is changing the game — from trends to innovation, adding: “Two forces are shaping the market and consumer demand: hyper-individualization and connectivity. These two factors are powerfully transforming the market. AI profoundly impacts every field — from fashion to furniture. It enables real-time hyper-personalization across products and services. By adapting to individual needs and creating unique experiences, AI strengthens the personal and emotional bond between manufacturers and consumers. Businesses can become empowered through AI — gaining real-time data and insights. It facilitates and accelerates scalable value chains, production, and product development. Thanks to intelligent systems, tailor-made offers can now be created faster and more authentically than ever before.”
Describing Heimtextil as a strategic partner for the transformation of the sector, Bettina Bär said that the fair supports the industry’s progress and turns change into new business opportunities: “Heimtextil provides a reliable platform and a stable meeting point in uncertain times. More than 3,100 companies from 65 countries showcase their textile solutions while gaining dialogue, direction, and new connections. As a trade fair, we evolve alongside the global market and reflect this evolution in our hall concepts,” she said.
At the fair, Hall 3.0 will feature the “among-all” installation along with interior design products such as wallpapers, carpets, curtains, and sun protection systems. Hall 4.0 will host the smart bedding segment with its new Sleep & Meetarea. Hall 3.1 will present solutions for contract textiles, while the carpet and rug segment continues to expand, now spanning four hall levels (Halls 11.0, 11.1, 12.0, and 3.0). Upholstery and decorative fabrics will be showcased in Halls 3.1 and 4.1, offering international visitors a comprehensive range.
“Craft is a Verb”: Heimtextil Trends 26/27 to inspire the industry
The Heimtextil Trends 26/27, created by Alcova Milano, will once again serve as the creative and research nucleus of the industry at Heimtextil 2026. Under the theme “Craft is a Verb”, the trend presentation brings together traditional craftsmanship and AI-driven design. The main concept demonstrates that high technology and craftsmanship are not opposites — but rather open up new creative horizons when combined. Craft is a Verb highlights six core trends illustrating how the fusion of craftsmanship and technology takes shape:
Re:media – showcasing textiles born from the interaction between digital design and craftsmanship; Visible co-work – emphasizing how AI initiates the design while humans complete it; Sensing nature – focusing on how digital tools decode forms, rhythms, and structures from natüre; A playful touch – reflecting the renewed prominence of small decorative details defined by functionality and optimization; Crafted irregularity – presenting knots, uneven dyeing, visible stitches, and asymmetrical finishes as a counter-movement to AI’s perfection; The uncanny valley – revealing the inner workings beneath the perfect surface.
Visitors will be able to explore Heimtextil Trends 26/27 in Hall 6.1 and experience hands-on content at the Texpertise Stage in Hall 6.0.
From natural hues to digital accents: The Heimtextil Trends 26/27 colour palette
While highlighting the impact of AI-driven design and production, Heimtextil 2026 also reflects this approach in its colour palette. The Heimtextil Trends 26/27 colour range spans from natural shades to digital highlights. Tones such as sand, clay, soot, olive, and bark convey stability and naturalness, while acidic green, digital lilac, and bright screen blue disrupt this calmness with vibrant expression.